Mourners pay respects to Dorman legend Evans

Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio was among those who paid tribute to the longtime football and athletic director for the Cavaliers, who died this week at 77.

By KEVIN MELTONkevin.melton@shj.com

Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio draped a Spartans' No. 1 jersey across the podium during Dale Evans' memorial service on Saturday at the Dorman Arena.“We don't give these out at Michigan State,” Dantonio said while trying to hold back tears. “Until someone is gone and they've earned it. This is yours.”That was one of the many ways those who spoke during the former Cavaliers football coach and athletic director's service was honored. Evans died after a long bout with cancer last week.Dantonio played defensive back under Evans at South Carolina during the 1970s. He also presented a Rose Bowl championship ring with Evans' name engraved before ending his speech. Evans, along with his family, was invited as special guests to the Rose Bowl in January.Dantonio also spoke of Evans' favorite poem, “Stick to the Task”, which he was noted for making his players learn word for word.“I don't remember 'Stick to the Task' back at South Carolina. That must have come along later,” Dantonio said. “But, it's now at Michigan State.”Former USC coach Richard Bell noted Evans' knack for one-liners and getting the most out of his players. Bell later drew laughter from the many in attendance when telling about one of Evans' responses to former USC head coach Jim Carlen's criticism of the defense during a game.“I heard (Carlen's) headset flip on and him say 'We're going to give up 1,000 yards today,'” Bell said. “I heard Dale come over and say, 'Coach, it might only be 900 if you don't shut up and let us do our job.'”Evans' sons, Tracy and Kelly, each spoke of their dad's devotion to his job and the time it took away from their childhood. Despite the lack of family time, both said there was never a lack of love or appreciation for their dad. Kelly also spoke of the love and pride that his father had for his two grandsons.Evans' nephew, Greg Hott, who was also a high school football coach, said that his uncle was always available to “pick his brain” and how “we always hugged each other, looked each other in the eye and said we loved each other.”Former Dorman players Brad Hughes and Reid Bowyer highlighted how Evans inspired his teams to give more than their best. Bowyer spoke of how Evans was always there for advice. Hughes recalled Evans first play as Dorman's coach in 1986, which went for a defensive touchdown against Wade Hampton.Spartanburg School District 6 Superintendent Darryl Owings spoke from a perspective that he said Evans would if he were addressing the audience by thanking everyone for their time. He also spoke of Evans' dedication, devotion and love for Dorman.Owings couldn't help but become emotional when speaking of Evans' seat at the school board in which he quipped, “I came prepared for a moment like this. I brought my Dorman towel to use if I got choked up.”Christi Morgan Shinn began the service by singing “Amazing Grace.” The Rev. Kevin Harrison officiated, and the Dorman Singers led the congregation in the Dorman alma mater and “How Great Thou Art.”A video montage of Evans with family members and as a coach was shown with John Denver's “Country Roads” followed by the Dorman fight song playing in the background.

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